Houses for Sale in Oakville, Burlington and Milton

Signs, signs....everywhere a sign. Or not! In my time as a Real Estate Broker, I have come across sellers who are hesitant to display a “For Sale” sign on their lawn. The fact is – signs are one of the most effective ways to market your house, and in order to maximize exposure to generate the highest price possible, a sign is a good thing. Not taking advantage of it could actually delay a sale and I have seen that happen.

Signs promote your home 24/7. We don’t have a crystal ball and can’t predict when a potential buyer will be scouting your neighbourhood, or when a passer-by who might not be considering a home purchase, is suddenly smitten with your home, its location, its style.

Sometimes, there is concern that “For Sale” signs are an open invitation for passers-by to knock on your door at any time, wanting a quick tour. But that never has to happen. Leave that to me. That’s my job! Thanking them for their interest and handing them your real estate agent’s business card ensures that if and when they do tour your home with your agent, they will be qualified and well-screened, resulting in a greater chance of selling.

Many agents hear their sellers say, “I don’t want my neighbors to know that I’m selling.” I say.....neighbours are an excellent source of advertising because they tell friends, family and coworkers that your house is on the market. I can’t tell you how many neighbours have convinced their friends or family to buy in their same neighbourhood! And otherwise, that buyer might have never considered the home or area.

Here’s a final tidbit that will impress you about sign advertising....According to the 2012 National Association of REALTORS Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, information sources used in home search was 53% from Yard Signs and 87% from a real estate agent. That’s telling me that you want to work with an excellent agent who is responsive and knows her market, but you also want to do your own scouting around before buying.

As always, my door is open to talk about real estate. So, with Spring in the air and warmer weather to scope out neighbourhoods, give me a call and I can update you on what’s available in your preferred neighbourhood.

As we approach “Back To School”, we often take time to reflect on our summer

and how well the weather co-operated for us. Although the weather was at times

unpredictable, for the most part Mother Nature was good to us with our fair share of

sunshine. This is an appropriately synergistic analogy to the Real Estate market at the

present time. In fact, I want to share some encouraging data with you as you go into

the Fall Season.

According to CMHC’s latest publication of its Third Quarter Housing Outlook in late

August, we have much to smile about. Despite a slowdown in housing starts over the

first part of 2013, CMHC forecasts that starts will be stable for the rest of the year

and will start to grow again in 2014. The forecast is similar for re-sales, with average

housing prices expecting to keep pace with the rate of inflation.

In July – the peak of our summer, the Teranet House Price Index hit an impressive alltime high, growing by 1.9% in the past year. Hamilton, Ontario and Calgary showed

off the strongest price growth among the markets covered by the index. That was not

surprising to me at all, since I have seen first-hand the popularity that Hamilton is

gaining for many of my Buyers due to affordable house prices and its proximity to the

GTA, while Calgary is becoming a “hip hub” for new university graduates and singles

who are ready to commit to an out-of-province experience and ready to buy.

Here’s the best news of all.....just when we are questioning how stable our market is

and how much it can sustain, The Canadian Real Estate Association published its July

sales stats ......on a national scale, housing sales overall are up more than 9% from

twelve months ago, while average prices are up more than 8%.

No one can make a decision for you on when the time is right to buy or sell, but

there is plenty to be hopeful for when you are considering your options during a

Trademarks owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association. Used under license.

Trademarks owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association. Used under license.

The information provided herein must only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale or lease of real estate and may not be used for any commercial purpose or any other purpose.

Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by TREB.